At the recent Mobility Live event in Melbourne, David Brown, Vice President of APAC at Geotab, delivered an insightful presentation outlining the transformative role of telematics in fleet management and sustainability. With over 15 years in the telematics industry across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, Brown brought valuable expertise to the session. His talk emphasised the evolution of telematics, its applications in sustainability, and its critical role in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).
Geotab: A Leader in Connected Vehicles
Geotab is a global leader in connected vehicle technology, with a network of approximately 4.5 million vehicles globally. With operations in Australia and Southeast Asia, the company leverages telematics to provide detailed diagnostic data from vehicles, enabling businesses to make informed decisions quickly.
Brown explained how telematics has evolved from simple data retrieval to advanced systems offering real-time insights into fuel efficiency, CO2 emissions, and vehicle health. Modern telematics tools, such as Geotab’s open platform, enable businesses to harness this data for sustainability and operational efficiency.
The Role of Open Platforms
Geotab’s open platform is pivotal in integrating data from various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and facilitating custom solutions. By allowing fleet managers to bring external data into Geotab’s system or use their own interfaces, the platform ensures flexibility and adaptability.
This approach supports businesses in making tailored decisions about fleet operations. For example, integrating Geotab devices with OEM systems like Ford’s provides managers with a seamless way to access actionable insights.
The Path to Electrification
Brown highlighted Geotab’s three-step approach to electrification: Go Electric, Scale Electric, and Manage Electric.
- Go Electric:
Geotab helps fleet managers assess which internal combustion engine vehicles to replace with EVs. By installing telematics devices across a fleet, managers can monitor factors such as driving distances, depot times, and maintenance costs. Geotab’s data-driven reports recommend specific EV models suited to operational needs, saving time and consulting fees. - Scale Electric:
As fleets grow, managing EV infrastructure becomes critical. Battery health is a significant consideration, as it is the most expensive component of an EV. Geotab provides tools to monitor battery degradation, ensuring it meets longevity benchmarks. For example, if a battery’s lifespan drops below eight years, operational changes can be implemented to extend its usability. - Manage Electric:
Geotab addresses challenges like range anxiety and charging inefficiencies. Tools such as the Temperature Tool allow fleet managers to predict daily vehicle range based on weather conditions. State-of-charge monitoring ensures vehicles are adequately charged and routed to the nearest station when needed.
Leveraging Data for Sustainability
Brown underscored the importance of data in achieving sustainability goals. Geotab’s Green Fleet dashboards enable fleet managers to benchmark performance against industry standards. By monitoring CO2 emissions, idle time, and fuel consumption, managers can identify areas for improvement and align with sustainability targets.
Additionally, Geotab offers insights into idle time, highlighting that vehicles consume 2.5 litres of fuel per hour while idling. Reducing idle time can significantly cut emissions and fuel costs, contributing to overall sustainability.
Embracing AI for Fleet Management
Geotab’s latest innovation, the Geotab AI tool, simplifies data interpretation. This tool, likened to ChatGPT, allows managers to query specific fleet metrics—such as identifying the top idling vehicles—and receive instant reports. This capability reduces the need for data expertise and accelerates decision-making.
Collaborative Ecosystems for Scalability
Geotab fosters collaboration through its Marketplace, an ecosystem akin to an app store. This platform connects fleet managers with industry partners, offering solutions such as camera systems for driver safety or advanced charging management tools. These partnerships ensure businesses have access to best-in-class technology to support their operations.
Balancing Costs and Sustainability
While EV adoption is a significant step toward sustainability, Brown acknowledged its challenges. Transitioning to EVs must make financial sense, with clear operational savings and CO2 reductions. Geotab provides the tools to evaluate these factors, ensuring businesses achieve their sustainability targets without compromising budgets.
Brown also highlighted that transitioning to EVs is not the sole path to sustainability. Managing existing fleets efficiently can yield substantial results. Tools for monitoring idle time, fuel consumption, and maintenance costs offer immediate opportunities for improvement.
The Future of Telematics
Brown concluded by emphasising the critical role of telematics in fleet management’s future. With advancements in AI, data integration, and sustainability tools, telematics is positioned as an indispensable resource for businesses aiming to optimise operations and meet environmental targets.
As Geotab continues to innovate, its solutions empower fleet managers to navigate the complexities of electrification and sustainability, ensuring a seamless transition to a greener future.
